Tips for Carnival Cruise Lines 

Insider Tips & Hacks

• Faster to the Fun (FTTF): Pay ~$50–$100 per cabin for early embarkation, priority check-in, early room access, and faster luggage delivery. Worth it if you hate waiting.
• Sail & Sign Card: Your onboard charge card don’t lose it! Also your room key and casino card.
• Join the VIFP Club (Very Important Fun Person): Free loyalty program that builds perks over time priority boarding, gifts, and even free cruises.

Dining Secrets

• Sea Day Brunch (Main Dining Room): Totally free and way better than buffet.
• Order as much as you want in the MDR (Main Dining Room). Double entrées? No problem.
• Steakhouse Deal: On the first night, the steakhouse often offers a free bottle of wine ask your server.
• Room Service: Most items free (like sandwiches, desserts), but premium late-night menu costs extra.

Drink & Internet Upgrades

• CHEERS! Package (~$60/day): Includes up to 15 alcoholic drinks daily, specialty coffees, and energy drinks. Must buy for all adults in cabin.
• Bottomless Bubbles: Soda-only package for kids/adults.
• Social Wi-Fi Plan: Cheapest internet option (~$8/day) for access to Facebook, WhatsApp, etc. Streaming plan is more expensive but faster.

Attractions

• Free: WaterWorks water park, SkyRide, mini golf, movies under the stars, comedy club, dive-in movies, trivia.
• Paid: IMAX theater (on newer ships), Carnival Kitchen cooking classes, arcade games, Build-A-Bear workshops.

What You Can Bring

• Alcohol: One 750ml bottle of wine/champagne per adult (must be in carry-on). No liquor or beer.
• Non-Alcoholic: Up to 12 cans/cartons (12 oz) of soda or juice per person.
• Food: No homemade food; prepackaged snacks usually fine.

Gambling Info

• Casinos open only while at sea (not in port). Slots, table games, poker tournaments available.
• You can charge casino funds to your Sail & Sign card but fees apply (around 3%).

Port Info

• Port time varies: 6 to 9 hours on average.
• Self-disembarkation: You carry off your luggage, get off early. Ideal if you're in a rush.
• Shore excursions can be booked with Carnival or privately. Ship won’t wait for you if you book outside and are late!

Laundry

• Self-service laundromats, or pay for full-service laundry.
• Watch for mid-week laundry promos fill a bag for a set fee.